Molly sighed frustrated on her way over to the Rodgers' ranch. Only her sister could first make her feel sorry for her, only to end up as infuriated as ever.
"That is not a happy face," Jake said carefully when his girlfriend came into the stables with a face set on thunder.
"It's just Jen," Molly sighed as she leaned over Bullet's stall door to stroke his neck.
"I'm listenin'," her boyfriend said simply, waiting for her to start explaining.
"'Let's just leave it at I came close to understandin' why she didn't want me seein' ye, only to end up pissed with her for not changin' her mind," she paraphrased, seeing that wasn't what he'd been expecting.
"Ye understand why she's bein' difficult?" he asked, not quite able to keep the accusing tone out of his voice.
"I said I come close to understandin'," Molly corrected him. "Blake built her up to be in love with him, only to strip away her friends and confidence, 'til she only had him. So he could get away with pullin' stupid shit."
"What kind o' shit?" Jake asked softly, not sure he wanted to know what his cousin had been capable of. Jennifer hadn't been wrong to say that he used to look up to him, especially while he lived here on the ranch with them.
"She didn't mention much, just that he was controllin' 'n that he cheated on her with several different girls," she said carefully, picking up on his mood now. "She's worried ye picked up all his tricks." It was his turn to look thunderous. "I tried tellin' her yer nuffin' like him, but I couldn't tell her how I knew or argue it too much," Molly quickly said, leaning away from Bullet to move closer to her boyfriend to comfort him.
He appreciated the attempt as he accepted her hug. "We'll think of summit," Jake said as he hugged her back, though he had to admit he was finding it harder to think of new ways to convince her sister.
They stood there for a while, not realizing that Duncan had been on the other side of the stables and could hear their conversation. It had been his idea all those years ago to help out his brother with his nephew, but he'd never thought it would cause his son problems now. So he would make good on his offer to help them out. Without letting them know, he set off to the Matthews ranch. Time to introduce himself to the neighbor.
It only took Jennifer a minute to come open the door, thinking initially that maybe it was her sister who'd forgotten her keys.
"Oh howdy sir, how can I help?" she asked, taken a little by surprise.
"Howdy ma'am, my apologies for disturbin' ye. My name is Duncan Rodgers," he said as he dipped his hat. He could see her hesitate a few seconds and then stepped aside to let him in. It wasn't like she could kick him out like she could his son.
"How can I help Mr Rodgers?" she asked again.
"Duncan, please. And I'm here to talk about my nephew and the impact of his behavior on my son's happiness now," he said, not quite wanting to just jump in and start the conversation. Jennifer frowned at first; while she knew he meant Jake and Molly, she didn't understand how he'd know or sound so invested. "Look Miss Matthews, I know some of what my nephew put ye through all them years back," Duncan started, seeing her look darken. "But my son Jake ain't nuffin' like that, I can assure ye of that much. He is decent 'n hard workin', comin' back here when my wife left three years ago," he continued nonetheless.
"I'm sorry Mr Rodgers, but of course you're gonna defend yer son," she pointed out a little cynical.
"Blake is my nephew 'n it was my idea that he come stay with us. I hoped it would help my brother 'n him out. I'm sorry to say it didn't 'n I would never defend his behavior towards yerself. A man don't treat a lady like he treated ye, and I taught my son to respect all women." Duncan shifted his feet a little nervously. "Look, I know I have no business tellin' ye what to do or..."
"Indeed you don't," Jennifer interrupted.
"But Molly is an adult, as is my Jake. If they've takin' a likin' to one another, who are we tell 'em no?" he stopped her from building up ahead of steam. He fought back a smile as he didn't dare to hope, as she looked at him blankly.
"Why do you care so much?" she asked, even if she knew it was a stupid question.
He put his Stetson back on with a shrug. "They're both good people 'n I just want my son to be happy. Ain't seen him like this in a long time... anyway, I best be takin' my leave. Ma'am," Duncan answered and, giving her a nod, headed out the front door. She looked after him for a minute before she shut the door, contemplating his words.